by Karl Dyson | Oct 18, 2026 | Buying Guide, DIY Solar News
One question that comes up regularly from people who have recently installed plug-in solar panels is whether they should add a solar diverter — a device that routes excess solar generation to their hot water cylinder rather than letting it flow back into the grid...
by Karl Dyson | May 17, 2026 | Buying Guide, DIY Solar News, News
The legal limit for plug-in solar in the UK is 800W, which typically means two 400W panels. Most marketing pushes the maximum configuration, but that is not always the right answer for every household. Here is how to think about size. The 800W case: nearly always the...
by Karl Dyson | May 17, 2026 | Buying Guide, DIY Solar News, News
The long-term financial case for plug-in solar depends significantly on how long the equipment actually lasts. Headline numbers about 25-year lifespans sound impressive, but understanding what degrades, how quickly, and what the real replacement costs are gives you a...
by Karl Dyson | May 16, 2026 | Buying Guide, DIY Solar News
EcoFlow is the government’s named technology partner for the UK plug-in solar rollout, and they make two products that are relevant to UK buyers in 2026: the STREAM and the PowerStream. They are not the same thing, and choosing the wrong one is an easy mistake...
by Karl Dyson | May 16, 2026 | Buying Guide, Costs and Savings, DIY Solar News
A panel-only plug-in solar kit generates electricity when the sun is shining. If you are at home during the day, that is when you use it, and the saving goes straight to your bill. But most people use more electricity in the morning and evening than at midday, which...
by Karl Dyson | May 16, 2026 | Buying Guide, Costs and Savings, DIY Solar News
Most people on standard electricity tariffs pay the same rate per unit throughout the day. Time-of-use tariffs work differently: they charge less for electricity used at certain times, typically overnight, and more at peak periods. When combined with a plug-in solar...
